Angel Spreads its wings

Recently Thailand's second designated carrier launched its newest service to the World Heritage site of Luang Prabang in Lao PDR. Angel Air now fly direct to Luang Prabang on Wed & Fri departing Bangkok at 1205pm and arriving into Luang Prabang at 1415. The fare for the direct flight round trip is B9,120. On Monday and Friday the flight makes a stopover in Chiang Rai, departing Bangkok at 10.20am and arriving into Luang Prabang at 12.55pm turning around for Bangkok at 1340 arriving back into Bangkok at 16.15. The fare for the stopover flight is slightly cheaper at B7,550.

The flight is operated on a PB Air Fokker 28-4000 under what can be described as a 'special commercial friendship' as this stage there is no code share agreement between the two airlines.

They look set to take a significant share of the Mekong Delta traffic having recently been told that the Cambodian government is ready to approve their application to fly into Siem Reap. Yuvade Srisawasdi, the airline's VP marketing and sales recently commented, "While the Cambodian government has effectively given Angle Air the green light, an official declaration on open skies is needed to set the wheels in motion."

This development is significant for two reason, first it would virtually end Bangkok Airways virtual monopoly on the route. But perhaps more import as this would be another Angle destination to be served by PB Air how much longer will it be until there is a more formal commercial relationship is announced between the two carriers. Watch this space.

Angel Air
499/7 Moo 8 Vibhavadi Rangsit Rd. Ladyao, Chatuchak Bangkok 10900 (66-2-253-2260, fax 66-2-953-0305)

Lao Aviation also join the Route

As part of the bi-lateral agreement Lao Aviation have also started a weekly direct service from Luang Prabang to Bangkok using an ATR 72 aircraft. They depart Bangkok every Thursday at 11.55am arriving into Luang Prabang at 1340.